With 21,000 tickets already sold, the Group A match against Finland will smash the previous best attendance figure for a competitive women’s fixture in Europe, a crowd of over 18,000 having watched Germany beat Sweden on home soil in the final of the Women’s Euro 2001.

The best previous attendance for a competitive game in England was the 14,107 at Selhurst Park for a World Cup qualifier against Germany in May 2002.

FA Chief Executive Brian Barwick was delighted by the response from fans: “This is great news for the tournament and for women’s football in this country.

He added: “A crowd of that magnitude will give the event a tremendous start and hopefully bring the best out of the England players.”

Prime Minister Tony Blair also gave his support to Hope Powell’s team with the big day looming.

"I would like to wish the England Women's team the best of luck for their UEFA European Women's Championship campaign,” he said.

”The team should be very proud to represent their country on home soil.”

Mr Blair added: “I hope the whole country gets behind them as they strive for success on 5 June when they kick-off their group against Finland.

"I would also like to welcome the seven nations competing in the UEFA European Women's Championship to the UK. Some of the world’s best players will be in the North West of England and I hope the public give them a warm reception.

“I congratulate The FA on bringing this prestigious tournament to Great Britain. We have a strong tradition of hosting successful sporting events and this is a unique opportunity to promote the growing participation in women’s football.”